Team
Joseph Wisniewski President/CEO
Many people who know Joe best call him “Wiz” because they’ve seen him in action — executing and crafting complex deals and matching wits with the best merger and acquisition experts at large corporations. But his virtuosity is definitely not wizardry. Preparation is. His BS in mechanical engineering from Western Michigan and MBA in finance at Notre Dame began a jam-packed, award-winning career — with Steelcase was quickly chosen for a company acquisition team; chief executive posts with CV Industries, HON, Kimball International, Harpers, Shaw Walker and Haworth — companies with annual sales from $325M to $1.8B. This experience equipped him to evaluate, negotiate, market, sell and buy companies. As Joe built CTC, he created and broadened strategic international alliances and joint ventures with Japanese, Philippine, German and French-owned firms.
Jeremy Huish Vice President
It's no wonder Jeremy Huish understands how to structure deals that protect both the immediate and future interests of owners, companies and employees. In addition to 20 years of professional experience, the man has two accounting degrees and two law degrees. That education, wedded to vast experience, has positioned him to lead — in business development, investment banking, succession planning and ESOP implementation. With his command as a CPA and attorney, Jeremy specializes in succession planning, helping ownership transition to their futures — ethically, effectively and profitably. For the last decade, Jeremy has advised closely-held businesses, public companies, governments, and not-for-profits on risk management and captive insurance company issues. His degrees include: Arizona State Univ. (BS, Accounting); Brigham Young University (Masters, Accounting); Brigham Young (Juris Doctorate); and Georgetown University (LL.M.in Taxation).
John M. Byrne CPA/ABV
In over 30 years as a CPA, John Byrne originally made his mark in real world accounting as a valuation expert. With that ability, he was instrumental in M & A transactions, financial reporting, income tax compliance, litigation, bankruptcies, and shareholder disputes. Most recently associated with a national healthcare company, John was subject matter expert on fair value as it relates to business combinations and related intangible asset valuations. His valuation background led John to plan, supervise and perform audits for both SEC and privately held companies. John received his bachelor’s from Ohio University and master’s from Cleveland State University. A member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, his uncommon blend of accounting and financial reporting, combined with expertise in valuation theory and application, provides an integrated approach that delivers value to CTC clients.
Tisha Illingworth
Tisha Illingworth is an Arizona-licensed attorney with extensive experience in the areas of tax, estate planning, and immigration law. Prior to joining CTC, she served as a Tax Manager in the National Tax Office of KPMG, where she utilized her J.D. and LL.M. degrees to provide advanced technical guidance on complex matters involving international individual income taxation, withholding, gift and estate taxation, trusts, and pension taxation. At CTC, she serves as Director of Human Resources, where she oversees employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, recruiting, onboarding, and organizational policy development. She works closely with leadership to support company operations, foster a positive workplace culture, and ensure that human resources practices align with the organization’s long-term goals and regulatory requirements.
Education: LL.M., Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., Washington College of Law, B.A. in Political Science, American University. Languages: Spanish, French, and Italian
Luke Lewis CPA/ABV
Luke Lewis is a Manager at Corporate Transition Consulting, Inc., where he serves as a sell-side ESOP advisor specializing in valuation, feasibility studies, relationship management, and ESOP plan design. He partners with closely-held business owners to assess the viability of an ESOP transaction, model deal structures, and coordinate with attorneys, trustees, and lenders to bring transactions to a successful close. Luke began his career as a forensic accountant and accumulated a detail-oriented skillset that provided the basis for his work in ESOP transactions. Previously, Luke held a role with a valuation firm, where he assisted in ESOP implementations as a trustee advisor and conducted annual update valuations across a variety of industries. Luke earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho in accounting. He holds both a CPA license and the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential. Luke resides in the White Mountains of Northern Arizona with his wife Paula and their three children — Lila, Nico, and Violet.
Melissa Daniels
Melissa Daniels is an Analyst with Corporate Transition Consulting, Inc. Prior to joining CTC, Melissa built and sold multiple businesses, including an eight-figure company with operations spanning four states and more than 75 employees. Her background includes business operations, organizational growth, and process development across industries including nonprofit, oil and gas, and real estate. At CTC, Melissa contributes to ESOP engagements through transaction operations, industry and regulatory research, due diligence management, and data analysis. Her experience as a business owner provides practical perspective into the operational realities clients face throughout ownership transition and transaction execution. Education: Oklahoma State University, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications; Certified Scrum Master (CSM)